Tuesday, September 27, 2011

These silly auction shows on the TV, sure bring the crowds. Last year we had this auction to ourselves.... At least they don't yet know what to bid on. Here's a bit of what I hauled home, and all for $4

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

I'm sure that most of us have the pile of long forgotten parts, ether gathered or stripped off of older builds. You know, the worthless pile... Well interestingly enough, that same pile of scraped parts, can become something too make money off of, and recycle at the same time. The Central Coast is riddled with winery's, and for the most part the wine people are not car people. But when you tack together a pile of scraps, the wine people want it to place next to the tasting room entrance (and call it art). This is very ironic. Yesterday I went down and added some "wine flare" with my brush. I don't want it in my yard, but soon to be at a winery near you, and who says car guys can't be green...

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Took a break today, and managed to get in a nice motorbike ride through some of the incredible back roads that are surrounding my shop in every direction. Took a picture of the Villa Creek Tasting Room sign that I made a few years back. Stainless and rust, a real nice contrast, and only getting better with time...

Friday, September 9, 2011

If you have been on the lookout for a 1950's or 60's era vintage camper shell, then you know how hard they are to come across. They are usually waisted, or have been turned in for scrap value. This camper in fact was a day away from the scrapper. I picked it up knowing it was for a 1960's longbed, but wishing EXTRA hard, that it would somehow fit my shortbed. No luck, so my buddy Mike is going to use it for his red 1963 longbed Chevy pickup. Even the Gem Top logo on the side, points to this being the right camper for him. So I am still on the lookout for an even rarer shortbed 1960's period camper shell, so if you know of one...

Thursday, September 8, 2011

My old friend Anthony called up and asked me to do a show sign for his Merc. So this is what I came up with. The car is named after his Grandmother, who has just recently passed away. Anthony has had this Merc. for many years as a stock car, but started going kustom with it over the last two years. Well now the car is done, and it is turning heads. Last weekend at the Pleasanton show it made it's debut, and by the first day had been invited to the Fresno Autorama, and the Long Beach Motorama. I can't wait to see the car in person, but for now, here are some poor quality cell shots... Nice car Anthony!

"Pride In Tradition"

*Celebrating 25 Years!
Traditional American Hand Lettering & Design. Gold Leaf, and striping.
I have had cars and bikes that I lettered or striped covered in Rodders Journal, Hot Rod, Rod & Culture, Hot Rod Deluxe, Speed & Chrome and various other magazines.
I have been lettering since 1989, I learned from Tom Greene, a longtime sign man from the East Bay Area. He learned from Bill Pendlan & Tommy the Greek. Some combined 100+ years of "Old Time" knowlege, passed my way. With this blog deal, I aim to show some of my jobs, art, friends, and daily passings....